Written by: Evangelist Daniel Kolenda
Article source: JOY! Magazine 

Here at Christ for all Nations, it feels like we’ve only just shaken the dust from our shoes from the last Operation Decapolis in June, and already it’s time for the next one. This October, we will be holding six crusades simultaneously, another level up for our teams. Our previous record was in June, when we held five crusades at the same time in five different cities in Tanzania.

But the number of evangelistic campaigns is not the only thing that is different about this Decapolis. This time, all six crusades will be held in one city, and there are very good reasons for this. In the Decade of Double Harvest, a major part of our strategy is flexibility. We have to look at the circumstances of each region or city individually and use the tools at our disposal to reach as many people as possible. So, why this particular strategy for the port city of Dar-es-Salaam?

Second-fastest-growing city in the world
The last time CfaN was in Dar-es-Salaam, in 2013, the population was just over 4 million. Now it’s nearly 7 million, and experts predict it will hit 13 million by 2035. Of course, that pace of growth comes with huge challenges, especially as more than three quarters of the city’s population lives in informal settlements.

Only 30 minutes away from the Gospel
With the city infrastructure stretched to the limit, it can easily take over two hours to drive just ten kilometres. That’s a massive obstacle to a non-believer thinking of coming to the campaign. If we were to host one mass event as we have done in the past, only those who live in the vicinity would be able to come. As we studied the problem, we felt the Holy Spirit telling us to instead hold multiple campaigns in different areas of the city, so that hearing the Gospel is within reach of everyone. No matter where in the city someone lives, they’ll be within half an hour from a crusade.

Over 2000 churches involved
There’s no way we could possibly accomplish this without the active involvement of the local churches. Our campaign directors have been preparing the ground for months, meeting with pastors, bishops, and church leaders. We’ve been training counsellors and ushers, setting up the follow-up systems, ready to immediately guide new believers into churches close to where they live.

The tide of salvations
We’ve also trained over 1000 local evangelists from all denominational backgrounds, and they will be putting that into practice in the two weeks leading up to the main events. Along with about 20 CfaN Evangelism Bootcamp graduates, they’ll be involved in a “Gospel Invasion”, where we do multiple mini-campaigns all over the city on the streets, in marketplaces, kids’ outreaches – anywhere and everywhere! The tide of salvations begins here, before the first meeting of the main events.

We have a special opportunity to spread the Gospel far and wide in East and Central Africa.

Dar-es-Salaam is a key African city
Not only is it growing incredibly quickly, it’s also the most important port for trade for the landlocked countries around it like Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s the largest city in Tanzania, and the business capital of the country. That means there’s a constant flow of people, and Dar-es-Salaam has great influence in the region. Add to that its prominence in the arts, media, and television, and we have a special opportunity to spread the Gospel far and wide in East and Central Africa.

Speaking to the youth
Like all African countries, Tanzania has a very young population, with an average age of only 18. It’s crucial for us to speak to this generation effectively, so we are going far beyond the newspaper ads, posters, television, and radio adverts of the past, though those are all still happening. To get the word out, we’re utilising every social media platform. We have recruited young Christian influencers like local soccer stars and YouTube personalities, speaking on their shows to encourage young people to attend. If there’s a way to communicate, our teams are using it!

You can be part of this!
Every single time we commit to Gospel crusades in Africa, we’re taking a step of faith. We’re trusting that the Lord will provide in every way – finances, personnel, permits, equipment, local churches, and everything else that is needed. We’re believing that the Holy Spirit will speak to others just as He has to us and bring it all together for His glory. If you feel the Lord speaking to you to become a CfaN ministry partner, please connect with us today!

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Date published: 28/09/2021

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